Kids Fundraising Activities in Lancaster

Money for Madagascar (MfM) would like to share with you the story of two Lancaster children who have been running fundraising activities during Lent to raise money for MfM.

Hearing about the famine which has been affecting Madagascar, Benjamin, age 8, decided he wanted to raise money to help those affected. Ben ran a "guess the name of the bear" competition at Quernmore primary school. He charged 50 pence per guess, with the winner receiving a bear which was beautifully hand-knitted by our trustee Theresa. Benjamin raised £38.35 for the famine appeal.

Benjamin

Peter, age 5, also wanted to raise money to help those affected by the famine. He ran a 'guess the number of sweets in the jar' competition at Christ Church Primary School in Lancaster. He charged 20p per guess, and managed to raise an amazing £70!

Peter

Money for Madagascar would like to thank both Benjamin and Peter for their phenomenal efforts to raise money for those affected by this famine. We would also like to thank all those who took part in these competitions, and the staff for supporting their efforts. A special thank you to Theresa Haine our trustee who continues to knit bears and lemurs to support our various initiatives. Its always nice to see something positive amidst the endless negativity in the news and media!

If you would like to know more about what MfM does, or make a donation – any money you give will be guaranteed to make a direct difference in Madagascar – please see our website – https://www.moneyformadagascar.org/

Thank you!

Madagascar Drought Appeal: An Update

Money for Madagascar has been running an appeal recently to help those impacted by the drought and subsequent famine in southern Madagascar. The United Nations has highlighted that the famine is a severe threat to the health and lives of nearly a million people in this part of Madagascar. 

The drought, which has affected the region for the past two years, has resulted in crop failures and led to severe food shortages. Families have resorted to consuming vital seed stocks to survive which only further exacerbates the issues in the longer term.

Thanks to the generosity of all those who have donated to our appeal, Money for Madagascar has been able to send out £30,000 already and is continuing to raise money. Our Malagasy partner SAF have been able to begin providing short and long term relief to families in affected regions. In the short term this means providing food aid to families suffering from famine. To ensure longer term sustainability, SAF are helping to replenish seed stocks depleted by the drought, particularly with drought resistant crops, as well as working to improve food stores to develop long-term food security.

It is very important that these stocks are replenished now. Rain has recently been falling in some affected areas making it vital that these seeds are delivered and sown as soon as possible to ensure that this famine isn’t prolonged. SAF have already been able to provide 200 households with maize seeds to take advantage of this rainfall in addition to short-term food supplies.

Without your help this work wouldn’t be possible. If you haven’t donated yet and are able, it isn’t too late. Even a modest contribution can go a long way to alleviate the harsh conditions currently being faced by those in the affected regions of Madagascar.

Shining a Light of Hope – examples of MFM making a difference for children in Madagascar

Money for Madagascar (MfM) supports seven different Children's Centres in and around Madagascar's Captal Antananarivo. One such centre is Akany Avoko Faravohitra; this centre cares for 50 children both day and night, and here MFM gives funds to provide nutritious food, warm meals, clothes and education (to name only a few things!).  

MFM is proud to have recently helped fund the installation of solar power – helping to ensure that there is hot water, and many other things that we may take for granted. This has helped to promote stability and the well-being of the children.

The solar panels automatically start working whenever there is a break in the electricity so that there is always light, ensuring that the children are safe whenever there are power cuts. MFM is happy to support Madagascar’s quest for solar solutions! 

As the centre is high in the mountains, it can be very cold and windy in winter - warm water will certainly be a welcome relief then! And with the solar panels, it has become easier to access – obviously helping the children, yet also the staff in their work. 

The grant has also helped provide a solar cooker for both washing and cooking – quicker than using a firewood stove! This allows staff to cook a warm midday meal quicker, meaning they can spend more time directly with the children. It is said that Vitamin D is good for you, but now sunshine really can make the difference! 

Money has also lead to the conversion of space into a library, and also the creation of an IT room and workshop for handicrafts – hopefully enough to engage the young minds! 

It is wonderful to see the children smiling and laughing, and wonderful to know that you as supporters are making a difference to their lives and prospects.

If you would like to know more about what MfM does, or to make a donation – any money you give will be guaranteed to make a direct difference in Madagascar – please see our website –  https://www.moneyformadagascar.org/

Thank you!